Poroshenko expressed his condolences, and appealed to law enforcement to do everything possible to find and punish those responsible for Handziuk’s death.

“A few minutes ago, I was informed that activist Kateryna Handziuk, who was attacked by inhumane persons, died at the hospital. I appeal to the law enforcers to do everything possible to ensure that the murderers of Kateryna Handziuk are found and punished. We all need to unite our efforts and help law enforcement bodies to punish the evil,” Poroshenko wrote on Facebook.

The attack on Handziuk was ordered by law enforcers, according to a post on Facebook by Prosecutor General of Ukraine, Yuriy Lutsenko.

The attack had been carried out with the “assistance of separatist organizations in the south of Ukraine” and aimed at the “destabilization of socio-political situation” in the region, Lutsenko said with reference to a photocopy of the case file memo.

The murder of Handziuk has also received international attention.

“Very saddened by the news of the passing of the incredibly brave Kateryna Handziuk. Attacks against civil society activists are unacceptable. The perpetrators of this vicious crime must be brought to justice. My thoughts are with her family and friends,” wrote Johannes Hahn, the European Union commissioner for European neighborhood and enlargement negotiations, on Twitter.

Using this site means accepting our agreement on confidentiality policy. All materials on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or used otherwise, without prior written permission of UA|TV.